The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Shinyei “Rocky” Matayoshi (ASN: 30103657), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 14 July 1944, in the vicinity of Pieve di S. Luce, Italy. During an attack by his company, the leading elements were pinned down by machine gun fire and rifle fire, whereupon Sergeant Matayoshi voluntarily crawled forward over open ground exposed to enemy fire to a point within 15 yards of the machine gun emplacement. Although the enemy continued firing the machine gun and throwing grenades at him, Sergeant Matayoshi calmly trained his Thompson sub-machine gun on the enemy in the machine gun pit, pinning them down temporarily. He then threw one hand grenade which fell short, then another which scored a direct hit, killing one and mortally wounding another. Immediately the wounded enemy surrendered followed by three other riflemen who were supporting the machine gun emplacement. The outstanding courage displayed by Sergeant Matayoshi is a distinct credit to himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
442d Regimental Combat TeamDivision:
36th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 7, 1944
Headquarters, SIXTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 10, (February 22, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Shinyei “Rocky” Matayoshi (ASN: 30103657), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 36th Infantry Division, on 7 November 1944, in the vicinity of La Roussiere, France. Sergeant Matayoshi exposed himself to hostile observation in order to clear a path through a minefield which was impeding his company’s advance. As he proceeded to work in the mined area, an enemy machine gun suddenly opened up at him and the man immediately behind him. Determined to silence the enemy machine gun so that friendly troops could advance, Sergeant Matayoshi, whose weapon had jammed, crawled toward the machine gun, taking advantage of what cover and concealment he could find. When he was within throwing distance of the enemy emplacement he threw his grenades, and with the aid of his bazooka team which fired bazookas at the proximity of the grenade explosions, forced the two-man machine gun crew to surrender.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Technical SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
442d Regimental Combat TeamDivision:
34th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 7, 1945
Headquarters, Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2013-03 (March 15, 2013)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Shinyei “Rocky” Matayoshi (ASN: 30103657), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action. Technical Sergeant Matayoshi distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 34th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy on Mount Belvedere, Italy. On 7 April 1945, Technical Sergeant Matayoshi ordered his Platoon to advance up the steep slopes of Mount Belvedere to seize the heavily fortified forest areas that were under enemy control. As the Platoon approached the elevated ridge line, Technical Sergeant Matayoshi’s Platoon was attacked by intense machine gun fire from at least five enemy machine gun nests from frontal, left and right flanks. Technical Sergeant Matayoshi did not waver despite enduring an over-abundance of devastating automatic and small arms fire while attacking the first machine gun nest. While suppressing the enemy with his Thompson machine gun and throwing hand grenades, he killed four enemy soldiers and took one prisoner. Despite the intensive barrage of enemy firepower directed against him, Technical Sergeant Matayoshi moved forward leading the direct assault destroying three other machine gun nests, killing or wounding approximately fifteen enemy soldiers, some as close as a five meter range. Technical Sergeant Matayoshi secured the key terrain which paved the way for the Battalion’s pursuit of the retreating enemy soldiers. Technical Sergeant Matayoshi’s selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company G, 2d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, and the Army of the United States.